__
Qi Yuan looked at Nangong Wan, who seemed ready to explode. He stood up with a wronged expression and said, "If you don't like it, I'll take it back. I'll bring you some gold hairpins and jewelry another day."
As soon as he finished speaking, he took the Dingyan Pill back from Nangong Wan's hand, sat down again, and remained silent.
Nangong Wan's cold and elegant face showed a hint of surprise. She studied Qi Yuan carefully, her sharp eyes softening. His aggrieved expression seemed genuine. Had her earlier attitude been too harsh? Had she hurt his good intentions?
This didn't seem like the behavior of a selfish man.
It had been a few months since they'd seen each other. Despite herself, she realized she had missed him.
Perhaps this little guy was being sincere...
As she leaned closer, about to comfort him, Qi Yuan suddenly pulled her into his arms and kissed her.
Damn it. This scoundrel hadn't changed one bit, and here she was feeling sorry for him.
After a moment, Qi Yuan let go, licked his lips, and whispered in her ear, "Sister Wan'er, you're the most beautiful woman in my heart. How could I ever think you're old..."
Nangong Wan's heart trembled slightly. She opened her hazy eyes, gave him a shy look, and said firmly, "Give me back the Dingyan Pill. How can I take back something I gave away?"
Qi Yuan grinned and handed it back to her.
Nangong Wan's fair face turned slightly red, her charming eyes shifting awkwardly as embarrassment filled her.
If anyone else had seen this, they would have been shocked. The usually stern and serious Fairy Nangong, now acting so shy and delicate in front of a young man — many would envy Qi Yuan for being the reason.
"Open your mouth," Qi Yuan said softly.
He poured out the Dingyan Pill, gently placing it near her lips, giving her no room to refuse.
Nangong Wan's eyes misted over. She opened her mouth slightly and obediently took the pill.
"Take this when you have time," Qi Yuan said, holding her soft hands tightly. "When you're out, let me know, and I'll send more."
No matter how rare a pill was, once it entered the Chaos Cauldron, it became nothing special.
Nangong Wan's eyes brightened with joy, but she quickly pouted. "You call me 'Sister' when you're sweet-talking me, and 'you' when you're done... heartless man."
Qi Yuan chuckled. "Will anyone be coming to your tent tonight? I'm worried we'll be disturbed..."
"As long as I don't want anyone to come, no one will," Nangong Wan replied with a teasing smile. With a flick of her fingers, she layered the tent with several powerful wards.
Qi Yuan tapped his storage bag, and a glowing spirit rope appeared, faint white light emanating from it. The magic tool's effect was no longer as powerful as before, but it still held some use.
Nangong Wan raised an eyebrow. "Why are you taking that out here?"
At dawn, in the six sects' base camp, disciples bustled about. Monks patrolled the skies, while others kept watch on the ground.
In the main camp tent, Nangong Wan sat beside Qi Yuan, tidying his robe with her bare hands. Her face was still flushed, her voice softer than usual. "Be careful. Jia Huan may still try to harm you. Stay at the front line with the other disciples for now. Under my watch, he won't dare act recklessly."
"Heh, I understand," Qi Yuan said with a knowing smile.
Nangong Wan shot him a look and pinched his waist firmly. "Don't let Daoist Hongfu find out about... us. Be careful."
Speaking of Hongfu, Qi Yuan realized he hadn't seen her since arriving at the front line. "Where's my master? Why isn't she in the base camp?"
"Daoist Hongfu went to Jiang Country to fight. The demon forces there received reinforcements, so the alliance sent her. She should be back in the next two days," Nangong Wan explained.
"Ah, I see. Do you want me to help you with your injury?" Qi Yuan asked with concern.
Nangong Wan's eyes softened, and she glanced outside. "It's getting late. If you don't leave now, someone will come by. How will you explain that?"
"That's true. I'll go then." Qi Yuan's expression turned serious as he vanished from the tent.
Nangong Wan stared at the empty space where he'd stood and muttered, "Heartless little scoundrel..."
The next afternoon, a drizzle fell steadily.
Several streaks of light, filled with powerful auras, landed in the six sects' headquarters. As the light faded, three men and two women appeared.
Disciples nearby hurried to greet them respectfully.
Li Huayuan sighed regretfully as he stored away his spiritual pet. "What a shame! If that old Taoist had arrived in time, the Jindan-stage cultivator from the Demon Flame Sect wouldn't have escaped."
Fu Yunzi, standing nearby, stroked his beard and scowled. "Hmph! It's your fault for being too weak. You couldn't even hold out for half a day before I arrived."
The elder from the Giant Sword Sect sighed impatiently. "We killed two Jindan cultivators in this battle. That's enough. Stop bickering."
Hongfu remained silent, her cold face filled with murderous intent. Her icy snort was enough to make the others shut their mouths.
Even Li Huayuan and Fu Yunzi stopped arguing.
They'd rather fight demon monks than face Hongfu's wrath.
After reporting their battle results in the main tent, Nangong Wan calmly said, "Daoist Hongfu, your disciple Qi Yuan has arrived at the front line."
Dong Xuaner, following Hongfu, brightened instantly. Her face glowed with joy, her eyes filled with longing.
Li Huayuan remained calm, but inside, he was thrilled. The magic pills he'd bought from Qi Yuan were almost gone. He'd been wondering how to get more, and now Qi Yuan had come to him.
Hongfu's face darkened at the news. She gave Nangong Wan a slight nod and said, "Thank you for informing me. We'll head back."
In his tent, Qi Yuan was meditating when a sound transmission note appeared, interrupting him.
"Come quickly. Master wants to see you."
Master Hongfu was back.
Qi Yuan erased the note, his figure flashing as he left the tent.
Moments later, he arrived at Hongfu's tent. He found Hongfu seated at the main table, with Dong Xuaner standing beside her.
Qi Yuan bowed. "Disciple greets Master."
Hongfu studied Qi Yuan carefully, sensing his profound magical power. It reassured her, yet her expression remained stern.
"You've grown stronger," Hongfu said. "But let's not waste words. What are your intentions for Xuaner? If your answer doesn't satisfy me... well, let's just say you'll regret it."
Qi Yuan stiffened, sensing the danger in her tone. He bowed deeply. "Master, I swear I won't neglect Senior Sister. I'll marry her properly and treat her well."
Dong Xuaner's face turned red, her gaze lowering shyly.
Hongfu's expression remained cold. "And what about the Chen family? Do you think they'll agree to that?"
Qi Yuan's voice turned serious. "I know I can't convince the Chen family now, but I'm determined to bring happiness to both Senior Sister and Junior Sister Chen in the future."
Hongfu's gaze hardened. "I only have one condition: be devoted to Xuaner. Can you promise that?"
Qi Yuan lingered for a moment, then took out a jade box from his storage bag and presented it. "This is a small gift from your disciple. Please accept it."
Hongfu sneered, unimpressed.
Seeing her hesitation, Dong Xuaner took the jade box and handed it to her master.
Hongfu opened the box. A powerful fragrance filled the room — the unmistakable scent of a thousand-year-old elixir.
Dong Xuaner gasped, her eyes wide with shock.
Hongfu closed the box quickly, but her expression softened. "If you reach the Jindan stage, I'll support your proposal to the Chen family."
Qi Yuan smiled. "Thank you, Master. I won't let you down."
(End Of Chapter)